Artist of the Week

Photo Credit: Radek Huget

Artist: Louise BuckArtform: Dancer

What is your main focus?My main focus is ballet fused with other styles including jazz, contemporary and tango to name a few. Ballet is such a strong foundation in dance, I really enjoy using it to create something new.

Where have you studied?I started dancing when I was 3, but my serious training began when I was 8, joining my first dance school 'The Lambert School of Dance'. When I was 11, I was awarded a junior scholarship with The British Ballet Organisation, which led to a senior scholarship when I was 14. When I was 15, I joined the London Senior Ballet on weekends which was held at The London Studio Centre. I continued to train at these three studios before starting my vocational training at KS Dance in Warrington for three years.

Why do you dance?I dance because I love to perform. It's not just about the steps for me, I dance for the performance, the costumes, the character - there's a sweet escape in putting on a costume and becoming a different character. The best feeling is dancing a piece that resonates the real you and finding that moment in the movement when you feel most free.

​Who are you influenced by?My biggest influences would have to be Leanne Benjamin, Marianela Nunez, Gene Kelly and Syd Charisse.

Why do you think contemporary art is important?I think contemporary art is important because it can be, and is being used right now, in a way to make people become more aware of what is happening all around us right now. Contemporary art can send a powerful message if delivered in such a way.

What's the most exciting/interesting thing you've done to date?The most exciting thing I've done as a dancer is perform in an illusion show. Not only did I dance, but I managed to squeeze myself into some very strange positions in very small boxes. With that excitement came danger, I had about 10 seconds to wiggle my way into one of those boxes before spikes lit on fire were pushed in. It was a spectacular trick.

Photo Credit: Suzi Bird

What advice would you give to anyone wanted to become a dancer?Patience. Hard work. Blood, sweat and tears. Don't expect yourself to become the dancer you want to be over-night. It took me 21 years from my first class to discover the type of dancer I truly wanted to be. It's a journey and with that journey comes discoveries of yourself as a dancer. ​

Do you have a favourite genre?It's hard for me to say, but all the genres that I love are built and fused with ballet technique, so I'd probably have to say ballet.